![Book Flatlay Cover Front Transparent Trio[1]](https://d31dpzy4bseog7.cloudfront.net/media/2024/06/07080212/Book_Flatlay_Cover_Front_Transparent_Trio1.png)
City Sanctuary – East Sydney Collection by MHNDU
Seamlessly blending into the alluring heritage buildings and modern injections of the disparate Darlinghurst streets, East Sydney Collection is a multi-residential building that reveals a new way of metropolitan living. As the project nears completion in spring 2023, MHNDU and Hansen Investment Group Australia (HIGA) will offer a sensitive restoration that serves as an urban retreat tucked into a densely populated pocket in Darlinghurst, on the cusp of Hyde Park in Sydney.
The East Sydney Collection beautifully leverages its sought-after city location. Finding the perfect balance between urban greenspace and Darlinghurst’s diverse built environment, MHNDU creates a city village that marries the vibrancy of inner-city life with the pockets of peacefulness found within the quiet tree-lined side streets nearby greenery. Defined by a soft, curved façade and a restrained exterior aesthetic, East Sydney Collection makes its intention clear from the outset – to create an immediate sensory shift as one enters from the bustling streetscape beyond.
The architecture of the building references its art deco heritage and takes cues from Sydney’s urban past whilst merging it with contemporary design features. From the street, the building appears both nostalgic and modern. East Sydney Collection houses three residential models to suit different ways of living; East Sydney Residences, which contains 20 apartments; Stanley Lane Lofts that has four New York-style lofts; and Hyde Park Terraces, with three residences inside. Each home has access to a panoramic rooftop overlooking Hyde Park, St Mary’s Cathedral and the CBD skyline, as well as two ground-floor commercial spaces.
Upon arrival, one is met with a sophisticated semi-private foyer that establishes a visceral separation from the street before moving upwards to the residences. Spatiality differs between the residences, with the terraces and lofts defined by high ceilings and open plan layouts, whilst the apartments become more spacious through clever design choices. However, all three residences share a refined approach, defined by highly resolved, luxurious design and amenities. Individual air-conditioning units for eminent efficiency, V-ZUG kitchen appliances and individual storage cages in the basement feature throughout the residence.
Interior designers Lawless & Meyerson imbue the East Sydney Collection with an established and timeless feel. Creating a neutral canvas was the design approach – a palette of black, grey and white is used, which is both classic and genteel whilst complementing the marble and oak. Quality detailing and open spaces only elevate the restrained and subtle beauty of the interior palette.
A luxe materiality brings the three types of residences together and adds interest to the muted canvas. Silver-grey slab marble, durable terrazzo floors and herringbone parquetry floors in grey European oak feature heavily throughout and accentuate the rawness of laminated polymer benchtops in grey cement. Wool loop pile carpets in soft grey-beige add warmth and comfort to bedrooms whilst bespoke joinery delivers a refined approach to functionality.
Offering three distinct dwellings in one expansive development, MHNDU interweaves the rich heritage of Sydney’s CBD with a resolved, contemporary design approach in the East Sydney Collection. The result is a rare offering – a luxurious sanctuary on the cusp of Hyde Park’s lush greenery in the heart of Sydney’s busiest locale, which is a welcome reprieve for high-density living and the ideal addendum to an urban lifestyle.
